Key Questions to Ask Before Restoring an Antique Tractor
Antique tractors are the equivalent of classic cars for motor lovers. If well-maintained, antique tractors can still function effectively, although not for commercial farming purposes. Therefore, you should make a few considerations if you have just inherited an antique tractor and would like to restore it. Unfortunately, most people make emotional decisions and end up wasting time and money. This article highlights critical questions you should ask before you start restoring an antique tractor. Read on.
Is the Tractor Worthy of Restoration? — It is arguably the most essential question you should ask yourself when thinking about restoring an antique tractor. The reason is that the old tractors have seen their fair share of breakdowns and repairs, and like any other machine, they have a service life. First, look at the antique tractor and decide whether restoration makes sense. For instance, if it is going to cost you $5,000 to restore the tractor, then you are better off buying a new or slightly used one since the price is comparable. Spending that amount of money on a machine that will not operate at 100% capacity is not prudent. However, if the repairs will only cost you $1,000, then you can think about restoration.
Are Parts Readily Available? — Over the years, tractor manufacturers have continued to develop state-of-the-art tractors and accessories. Therefore, the new generation of farmers is opting for tractors equipped with modern technologies. Consequently, the antique tractor parts are becoming less accessible. As you inspect your inherited antique tractor, ask yourself whether it would be easy or difficult to find any missing parts. In most cases, owners of antique tractors trade parts among themselves, especially for discontinued tractor components. With this in mind, it is advisable to find a network of people or a club who own antique parts. Some farmers in these groups have large stocks of antique parts and are willing to exchange with one another. If you realise that it would be impossible to find a missing part, then restoration would be a waste of resources.
Do You Have the Right Manual? — If you think that you are going to flip the hood of an antique tractor and start work right away, then you need to hold your horses. Antique tractors and modern tractors feature quite different systems. Therefore, a manual is critical to restoring an antique tractor since you need to know where each part goes among other guidelines. Although modern tractors' manuals are easily downloadable from the manufacturers' websites, you don't have the luxury with antique tractors. Therefore, ensure you have the right manual before you begin your restoration project. You will save yourself time, especially given that restoring antique tractors can take several months.
Talk with tractor manufacturers like those who make Solis 90 tractors to learn more.
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